China's Supreme Court endorses strict penalties for cross-border gambling

China's top court has instructed courts nationwide to maintain strict penalties for those who organize cross-border gambling, particularly cracking down on violent crimes such as intentional killings linked to gambling.

The Supreme People's Court emphasized the need to continue high pressure on gambling activities by disclosing six relevant cases, urging all levels of courts to escalate efforts in combating organized gambling crimes abroad.

"With economic and internet development, the problem of overseas casinos enticing Chinese citizens to engage in gambling has become increasingly prominent," said the top court.

In a disclosed case, for example, a defendant surnamed Wu, ringleader of a gambling group, was sentenced to six years in prison for orchestrating gambling activities in Macao, leading to profits exceeding 300 million yuan ($41.22 million) from domestic residents over an extended period. Other members of the group received prison terms ranging from 30 to 36 months.

"Wu should be given severe punishment, as his actions resulted in significant capital outflow," the top court said, stressing the need for courts nationwide to vigorously combat such cross-border gambling syndicates and decisively sever their financial networks.

The court also highlighted instances where criminals had organized gambling activities abroad under the guise of tourism, calling on the public to enhance their legal awareness and recognize the gravity of the offense.

"Gambling not only results in financial losses and broken families, but also fosters other forms of violent crimes," the court stated, citing a case in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region as an example.

One gambler surnamed Tang had been addicted to online gambling since 2020 and accrued substantial debts. In April 2021, Tang falsely claimed ownership of a market stall and rented it to another individual surnamed Shi for 40,000 yuan to repay his debts.

Upon discovering the truth, Shi confronted Tang. On the evening of May 9, 2021, Tang armed himself with a homemade gun, lured Shi to a cave and fatally shot Shi in the head, resulting in Shi's immediate death.

Tang was subsequently sentenced to death for intentional homicide by a court in Guangxi and was executed following an approval from the top court.